Infographics
Homeless Youth: A Vulnerable Population
Published on: May 04, 2021.
4.2 million
youth and young people experience homelessness every year
About this Data Insights
Each year, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness in the United States. Every night, thousands of young people experience homelessness without a parent or guardian - going to sleep without the support and stability of a family or a home. Among homeless youth, 40% identify as LGBTQ and they have more than twice the risk of being homeless than their heterosexual peers.
This infographic explores youth homelessness, risk factors for becoming homeless, the health toll associated with being homeless, and what can be done to address this crisis.
Call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). The mission of the National Runaway Switchboard is to help keep America's runaway and homeless youth safe and off the streets.
National crisis line for runaway, homeless and at-risk youth. Free, confidential, 24/7 support for youth in crisis. Call: 1-800-786-2929 Chat: http://1800RUNAWAY.org
What Is the State of Youth Homelessness in the US?
4.2 million youth experience homelessness every year: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago - Voices of Youth Count, Missed Opportunities: Youth Homelessness in America - National Estimates, November 2017
Homeless youth on a single night in January: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, The 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, January 2021
NOTE: Unaccompanied Homeless Youth: are people in households with only children who are not part of a family with children or accompanied by their parent or guardian during their episode of homelessness
Over half of homeless youth are unsheltered: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago - Voices of Youth Count, Missed Opportunities: Youth Homelessness in America - National Estimates, November 2017
NOTE: Unsheltered Homelessness refers to people whose primary nighttime location is a public or private place not designated for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for people
Experiencing homelessness for the first time: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, The 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, January 2021
1 in 30 youth experience homelessness in a given year: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago - Voices of Youth Count, Missed Opportunities: Youth Homelessness in America - National Estimates, November 2017
African Americans and indigenous people are overrepresented: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, The 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, January 2021
Why Are Youth Experiencing Homelessness?
Family conflict the major reason for being homeless: Congressional Research Service, Runaway and Homeless Youth: Demographics and Programs, April 26, 2018
Reasons for family conflict: Congressional Research Service, Runaway and Homeless Youth: Demographics and Programs, April 26, 2018
LGBTQ young people are 120% more likely to experience homelessness: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago - Voices of Youth Count, Missed Opportunities: Youth Homelessness in America - National Estimates, November 2017
Up to 40% of homeless youth identifies as LGBTQ: True Colors United, Serving Our Youth: Service Provider Survey & Report, June 2015
Families react similarly across racial/ethnic groups: Merighi JR, Grimes MD. Coming Out to Families in a Multicultural Context. Families in Society. 2000;81(1):32-41
Primary reasons for LGBTQ homelessness: True Colors United, Serving Our Youth: Service Provider Survey & Report, June 2015
What Is the Health Toll of Being Homeless?
Lifetime prevalence of psychiatric disorders: Edidin, J. P., Ganim, Z., Hunter, S. J., & Karnik, N. S. (2012). The Mental and Physical Health of Homeless Youth: A Literature Review. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 43(3), 354–375. November 2011
Homeless youth higher health risks: SAMSHA, Current Statistics on the Prevalence and Characteristics of People Experiencing Homelessness in the United States, July 2011
Higher rates of HIV: Logan JL, Frye A, Pursell HO, Anderson-Nathe M, Scholl JE, Korthuis PT. Correlates of HIV risk behaviors among homeless and unstably housed young adults. Public Health Rep. 2013;128(3):153-160. doi:10.1177/003335491312800305
Life expectancy of people experiencing homelessness: National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Homelessness & Health: What’s the Connection?, February 2019
Homelessness & health connection: National Health Care for the Homeless Council, data from Health Center Patient Survey (HCPS) 2009 shared in the Homelessness & Health: What’s the Connection? report, February 2019
Reunifying families: National Alliance to End Homelessness, Youth and Young Adults, April 2021
What Are Some Strategies To Combat Youth Homelessness?
Family Acceptance Project: Family acceptance project
Existing systems can help prevent youth homelessness: Raikes Foundation
Ensuring access to shelters and lowering barriers to housing: Raikes Foundation
Ensuring providers are equipped and trained to help LGBTQ homeless youth: True Colors United
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